Hinsdale American Legion Post 250 takes the lead in planning services, procession
The Hinsdale Central band will perform during the Memorial Day ceremony Monday. Hinsdale American Legion Post 250 is once again sponsoring the service at the Memorial Building and other events. (file photo)
Three years ago the Hinsdale American Legion Post 250 sponsored its last Memorial Day procession before COVID-19 interrupted so much of life as knew it.
The annual event will return this Monday, May 30, stepping off at 10 a.m. from Third Street and Garfield Avenue, proceeding west on Third to Washington Street and then north to the Memorial Building at 19 E. Chicago Ave.
There, at about 10:30 a.m., the Post will hold a Memorial Day service. The Names of the Honored Dead will be read, the Hinsdale Central band will perform and Annie Ascher will sing the National Anthem and other selections. The ceremony will conclude with a rifle salute and the playing of TAPS.
Those who want to get an early start to the day are invited to attend a 7 a.m. sunrise service at Bronswood Cemetery, 3805 Madison St., Oak Brook.
The Fullersburg Historic Foundation will hold its annual Memorial Day flag changing ceremony at noon Monday at the historic Fullersburg Cemetery between Maumell and Fuller Road at Garfield in Hinsdale. The cemetery is the final resting place of 13 local Civil War Union soldiers and one Confederate, who was given a new engraved headstone in 2016. This 180-year-old peaceful haven was planned by Benjamin Fuller, the founder of Fullersburg.
Residents also might want to schedule some time on Saturday, May 28, to visit the Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Exhibit on its closing day at the Hinsdale History Museum, 15 S. Clay St. The exhibit features memorabilia and images from the horrific attack that launched the U.S. into World War II. It is open from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 28. For more information, visit https://www.hinsdalehistory.org or call (630) 789-2600.
Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, is the site of another Memorial Day program, slated for 11:15 a.m. to noon in front of the First Division Museum.
American Legion Post 556 will honor the fallen in this special service. Vocalist Terri Lightbody will lend her voice and speakers will explain the traditions and customs of Memorial Day, as well as the history of women in the military. The keynote speaker is Robert "Doc" Adams, co-founder of the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and Bronze Star with "V" for Valor recipient. The program will conclude with a rifle salute and the playing of Taps. This event is outdoors and will have limited seating available. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets.
Finally, friends and family can create an Honor Post of a fallen hero with a photo, written tribute and hometown location to add to the Honor Map on the DuPage County website. Visit https://virtual-memorial-day-dupage.hub.arcgis.com/.
Other weekend fun
While it's important to remember the reason we commemorate Memorial Day, the three-day weekend also has become the unofficial start of summer. To that end, here are some special activities taking place this weekend.
• DuPage County will host its inaugural Community Arts Festival from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 28, at the north grounds of the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Musical acts will perform on three stages, and food trucks and a beer tent will provide refreshments. Local community artists will showcase and sell their work throughout the festival. Groups scheduled to perform include the headline act, Ides of March, along with the Orbert Davis Quintet, Ralph Covert and Ralph's World, the Chicago Jazz Academy, Elmhurst Symphony Chamber groups and many more. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for children younger than 3 online. A family pass is $50. Tickets bought at the gate are $25 for adults, $12 for children and $60 for a family pass. Funds raised through the festival will be used to support future arts-related efforts. To buy tickets or for more information, visit https://dupagecountyfair.org.
• The Steve Cooper Orchestra, one of the most popular ballroom bands in the Midwest, will perform from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday, May 30, at the Cantigny Park Bandshell, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Steve and the band perform the actual musical arrangements of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie and many others. The band also plays rock & roll tunes (in ballroom style) and songs from current Broadway shows and popular movies. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets, and picnics are welcome. Concessions also will be sold. No alcohol or pets are allowed. The concert is free; parking is $10.
• After being closed for the past few years, the Butterflies! habitat at Brookfield Zoo is reopening May 28. Zoogoers can once again explore the outdoor garden and surround themselves with summer butterflies through Sept. 5. The exhibit is open during regular zoo hours of 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and admission is $4 for adults, $3 for kids 3-11 and $3.50 for seniors. The zoo is at 8400 31st St. Zoo admission is $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for kids 3-11, $19.95 for seniors and free for kids 2 and younger plus $15 parking.
• The Westmont Lions Club will hold Spring Fling, its annual barbecue festival and competition with live music, crafters and food vendors, carnival rides and a fireworks finale Friday to Sunday, May 27-29 at Ty Warner Park, 700 Blackhawk Drive, Westmont. All-You-Can-Ride carnival wristband specials are available May 28 & 29 for $30. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. May 27 and 1 to 10 p.m. May 28 and 29. Visit https://www.westmontlionsfoundation.org for more details.
• Experience almost 100 varieties of blooming irises and purchases irises for the home garden at the Northern Illinois Iris Society's show from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, May 30, in the Sycamore Room at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. The show is included in timed-entry admission to the arboretum, which is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, $11 for kids ages 2-17 and free for those younger than 2. Visit https://www.mortonarb.org.
